The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Mrs Aïchatou Mindaoudou on Tuesday, 8 September 2015, discussed sensitisation and communication during an electoral period with the Minister of Post, Information Technology and Communication, the Government Spokesman, Mr. Bruno Nabagné Koné, at the headquarters of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) in Abidjan.



The two personalities discussed several issues including sensitisation and communication aimed at Ivorians during an electoral period in the context of the pre-election campaign. They also discussed freedom of expression and responsibility during the pre-electoral period.



Speaking at the end of the meeting, Minister Kone said : "Together we made an assessment of what has been done by the Government in terms of communication in order to see how we can improve certain aspects and how the United Nations, which plays an extremely important role in Côte d'Ivoire, can help us".



He also said that he had discussed the role of the press with the Special Representative, so that journalists would be able to carry out their work freely in a totally objective manner.



On this particular issue, Mr. Bruno Koné asked for UNOCI's help. "As a Government, we will do our work but we are also counting on the UN to accompany us".



The Special Representative, for her part, said that UNOCI had received many requests from the Opposition linked to access to public media which she maintained was legitimate.



"I am pleased that the Minister has informed me that the Government is working on this issue and it will soon be resolved", said Mrs Mindaoudou. The Head of UNOCI then appealed to all Ivorians, especially politicians, to be constructive by contributing to the creation and consolidation of a peaceful electoral environment.



"It is the duty of every Ivorian to contribute to the consolidation of the crisis-resolution process", added Mrs Mindaoudou.